List of Colleges

SVP in Colleges

SVP Conferences are found in many colleges and third-level institutions around Ireland, and while they are all unified by the spirit of SVP, they each maintain their own unique identity at the same time.
College Conferences work in a variety of areas – many work with children in kids’ clubs, drama and art clubs, and homework clubs in conjunction with local schools; visit people hospitals and hospices; and run trips and excursions for people in their communities. Our college volunteers are also engaged with people experiencing homelessness by working with emergency accommodation services, donations and running street outreach services. Some conferences also run social justice clubs, projects and campaigns, where students can meet, learn about and take action on social issues and inequalities. A large part of SVP work also includes fundraising, which is done through running events, clothes or food drives, and dedicated weeks such as Homelessness Weeks or Social Justice Weeks.

College Conferences are structured similarly to other SVP conferences, and indeed other college societies. The conference is led by the committee, which will include a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer, and then usually other roles depending on the conference itself. Many Conferences have Activity Leaders for their different activities, activity coordinators, fundraising coordinators, and other roles as they need them.

Conference committees usually meet weekly, and conferences will generally hold regular meetings for the wider member base so everyone can come together and participate in the running of the Conference.

Joining a Conference and Starting Volunteering

Volunteering with a Conference can seem daunting! Being aware of that, we have developed a process for new members, to support them in their work with SVP.

At the start of the academic year, the conference will hold an information evening so you can learn about the work of SVP in general, and about the work of that specific Conference.

Before you start volunteering, we will train you in the relevant areas and in SVP policy – all new SVP volunteers complete child protection, vulnerable adult, or street outreach training as required.

We also have a membership form and Garda vetting form to be processed before you can start volunteering with children or vulnerable adults.

While your vetting is processed, you can join in with campaigning, fundraising or running college events, and really get to know your SVP Conference!

During your time with SVP

While you’re volunteering with SVP, you will be supported and encouraged – in both your volunteering and your social activities.

We are committed to providing ongoing support and guidance in your work, and to maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation.

We are committed to upholding the safety and wellbeing of volunteers at all times, and you will never volunteer alone or in dangerous situations.

We have clear and accessible policies and channels for communication within the conference and within SVP more generally, which will be highlighted to you before and during your time with SVP.

We also have formal systems for reporting any concerns around bad practice, mistreatment, or concerns relating to children or vulnerable adults you may work with, of which you will also be informed.

Of course, we also have certain expectations of SVP volunteers!

To attend information and training sessions.

To follow SVP policy and best practice guidelines, and to report any concerns in a timely and responsible manner.

To treat everyone you come into contact with through your role in SVP with dignity and respect.

We hope this is clear, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your college Conference to find out more!